Meet the Team
Our people make the difference.
Barrier-Free's team of experienced staff, interns, and volunteers are dedicated to providing impeccable service. We take the time to get to know you and your families because we believe that, in our field, a personal approach is the best approach. We utilize our staff's individual strengths to ensure each person gets the successful outcome they deserve. All Barrier-Free staff receive extensive hands-on training in our programs. We are determined to work hard to earn your loyalty every day. We're here to help you succeed, feel loved, and have fun.
Barrier-Free is proud to have a diverse Creative Team. More than half of our creative team are individuals who are neurodiverse, allowing us to bring our personal experiences to the teaching and mentoring of our participants.
Barrier-Free is proud to have a diverse Creative Team. More than half of our creative team are individuals who are neurodiverse, allowing us to bring our personal experiences to the teaching and mentoring of our participants.
Leadership
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Britt Burr, Creative Director, FounderDr. Britt Burr, PhD, RDT, is a distinguished leader in inclusive arts and advocacy, serving as a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) affiliated with the North American Drama Therapy Association. A graduate of McDaniel College and Kansas State University, Britt also holds a PhD in Educational and Community Leadership, reflecting her commitment to driving positive change through education, the arts, and community engagement.
With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Britt specializes in creating original theater pieces and expressive arts programs designed to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as those on the autism spectrum. Her innovative approach combines drama therapy techniques with a deep understanding of inclusive programming, ensuring meaningful opportunities for self-expression and growth. Before co-founding Barrier-Free, Britt served as an Academic Counselor in the Student Accessibility and Support Services department at McDaniel College, where she supported students in achieving academic and personal success. Leveraging her extensive expertise, Britt introduced Barrier-Free to Carroll County, spearheading efforts to enhance inclusivity and accessibility in the community. Beyond her professional achievements, Britt is an active advocate for social justice and equal rights. She volunteers with advocacy groups, participates in poetry gatherings, and enjoys exploring Washington, D.C.’s vibrant theater scene with her wife, Lauren. Her passion for the arts and her unwavering dedication to fostering inclusivity are central to her work. As a visionary leader, Britt plays a pivotal role in advancing Barrier-Free’s mission of empowering neurodivergent individuals and promoting a more inclusive society. Her unique blend of academic expertise, creative innovation, and heartfelt advocacy continues to make a profound impact on the community she serves. Britt can be reached directly via email at [email protected] |
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Lauren Burr, Executive Director, FounderLauren Burr, M.Ed. (she/her), serves as the Executive Director of Barrier-Free, where she leads the organization with vision and expertise in inclusive programming, organizational strategy, and nonprofit management. With a Master’s Degree in Education from the American College of Education and a Certificate in Equity and Excellence from McDaniel College, Lauren is deeply committed to fostering equity and inclusion for neurodivergent individuals.
Drawing on over 11 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Lauren has honed her skills in program development, organizational structure, and fundraising advancement. Her comprehensive understanding of the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and the rights and responsibilities of the population she serves ensures that Barrier-Free remains a trusted and impactful resource in the community. Lauren’s professional journey includes a successful tenure in education, where she served as an inclusion classroom teacher in Montgomery County Public Schools. She has also played pivotal roles in shaping nonprofit initiatives, including leading program development, designing organizational structures, and securing essential funding through targeted fundraising efforts. As part of a marketing and advancement team in previous nonprofit roles, Lauren has successfully developed campaigns, cultivated donor relationships, and managed grant applications to support mission-driven goals. As a leader, Lauren is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community and driving organizational growth through forward-thinking initiatives. Lauren's leadership, coupled with her unwavering commitment to inclusivity, ensures that Barrier-Free remains at the forefront of empowering neurodivergent individuals and creating a more inclusive society. Lauren can be reached directly via email at [email protected] |
Teaching & Mentoring Team
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Marie Angier, Operations Specialist, Assistant Director Co. A & B, Studio AssistantMarie (she/her) is thrilled to be part of the Barrier-Free team! Marie was raised in Iowa and received her Bachelor's of Fine Art at the University of Northern Iowa. She majored in Theatre Design and Production with emphasis in Stage Management, and a minor in Studio Art. Marie earned her Master's Degree in Drama Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University in 2023. Marie is also working to be certified as a Child Life Specialist with the goal to bring the use of Drama Therapy into a clinical hospital realm.
Marie has worked with organizations such as Dance Marathon, Relay for Life, Children's Cancer Connection, Camp Heart Connection, Sturgis Youth Theatre, and JDRF. During her undergrad career she was an active member of Alpha Xi Delta and Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honor Fraternity. In Marie's spare time, she loves to watch movies, read books, play board games, play with her dog, explore new places, and get out into nature. Marie has loved enjoying all the East Coast has to offer and having new opportunities and adventures with Barrier-Free. Marie can be reached directly via email at [email protected] |
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Evan Darr, Lead Teaching ArtistEvan Darr (he/him) is an all-around Barrier-Free superstar. Evan started as an intern for the 2019 - 2020 inclusive theater season. In his time with Barrier-Free, Evan has grown from being an intern, to an Assistant Teaching Artist, and now a Lead Teaching Artist with the opportunity to design and implement his own classes! Evan has always gone above and beyond the call of duty for Barrier-Free by taking on extra responsibilities that include set painting, social club mentoring, and more. Outside of classes, Evan was a member of the McDaniel tennis team and Alpha Phi Omega - a co-ed service fraternity. In his free time, he likes to hang out with friends and family, watch sports, and listen to some classic rock music. Evan is super excited to continue working with Barrier-Free!
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Michael Eaton, Assistant Teaching Artist, Founder, & Self-AdvocateMichael (Mike, he/him) is proud to be a Barrier-Free founder and has performed in every single Barrier-Free production. He also holds the title of being Barrier-Free's first-ever participant. Through his many years with Barrier-Free, Mike has grown from actor, to mentor, and now a part of the Creative Team. Mike is largely responsible for Barrier-Free's growth and success, as he spent many years sharing about Barrier-Free in the community and forming lasting friendships with other participants that kept them coming back for more! Outside of Barrier-Free, Mike serves as a community advocate for individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities and autism like himself. He has spoken on several disability panels on what it's like to be a person with autism. Mike has also worked at McDaniel College's Food Service and attends Calm Acres at Meadow Creek Farm. He's very excited to have a larger role in Barrier-Free and commits himself to every event and show.
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Tianna Jacobs, Production AssistantTianna (she/her) is starting her third year with Barrier Free and is excited to be part of the organization! Tianna works full time for Target Community and Educational Services as an Employment Specialist. She has a passion for giving back and helping others live their best and fullest life. Tianna's family is her world and she enjoys spending most of her time traveling or attending events and shows with her fiancée Kelsey and step-son Oliver. She also enjoys photography, being outdoors and being an active member in the LGBTQ community!
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Gary Jolbitado, Lead Teaching ArtistA 40-year story in the making: Gary (he/him) began performing musicals and plays while in private school. Gary joined Barrier-Free, when asked at the 11th hour to understudy for an actor. Gary only had 3 hours to learn lines and blocking. and, needless to say, it was a hit! At that point, Gary realized his life was missing something – theatre. But, more precisely, helping these very talented people reach their true potential. Since then, Gary's been hooked into Barrier Free and serves as a teaching artist. In addition to his work in the inclusive theater companies, Gary shares his passion for improv by teaching Barrier Free's annual summer improv class. In 2006, Gary was blessed with a son with autism. He can’t say how much working with Barrier-Free has helped him better understand what his son goes through.
You can keep Hollywood or New York! Gary would rather perform with these talented super-stars any day! Pictured: Gary J (left) with son Maxwell (right) |
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Kelsey Jacobs, Company A Director & Lead Teaching ArtistKelsey Jacobs (she/her) has filled many roles at Barrier-Free including music director, mentor, scene leader, and one-one-one support counselor. She works full-time at Target Community & Educational Services as a Program Coordinator for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatics Academy. Her love of music stems back to being a three year old swinging on the porch and singing songs with her Aunt Mem. Kelsey also gives back to the community in her role as Vice President/Co-founder of Coppermine Presents Player's on Air, a theatrical arts company based in Carroll County, MD. Kelsey would like to thank God, her family and friends, and Tianna for all of their continuous support!
Kelsey can be reached directly via email at [email protected] |
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Mike Morton, Music Director, Co. A & BMike Morton (he/him), aka "Music Mike," is a musician, teacher, and producer from Glenelg, MD. He joined the Barrier-Free family in 2020. Music Mike has 8 years of experience working with adults with disabilities and loves every minute of it! He earned his BA from the University of Maryland and has taught at Music & Arts and the Damon Foreman Music Academy. Over the years he has been busy performing with various groups around the Baltimore/DC area, teaching full-time for Anne Arundel Public Schools, and producing music in his home studio. In his free time he enjoys playing chess, reading sci-fi, and hanging out with his birds.
Music Mike can be reached directly via email at [email protected] |
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Cat Pilker, Assistant Director, Co. ACat (she/her) is a junior at McDaniel college and is so excited to be working with Barrier-Free! She is a theatre arts major and spends her free time hiking and Hammocking with her puppy ! At McDaniel she works in the theatre stage managing and sound designing! Over the summer she moved to DC to stage manage and it changed her outlook and helped her find what she wanted to do with her life! She had the wonderful opportunity to be a participant in the Disney college program in the spring 2024 term! Theatre has changed her life in so many ways and given her something to work towards, she is excited to share that inspiration theatre gives her with others!
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Jen Shillingburg, Assistant Director, Co. BJen Shillingburg (she/her) has been working with Barrier-Free of Maryland since its inception in Westminster and has been assisting Britt in drama therapy for adults with disabilities for a bit longer than that. She is also a baccalaureate of McDaniel College, with degrees in theatre and psychology. When not working with Barrier-Free, she is a life skills coach for individuals with disabilities as well as an after-school musical theatre teacher to middle school students where she and her co-teacher create original scripts for their end-of-term performances.
Jen can be seen in rehearsals, on the stage, and running around backstage during performances moving the scenery, pulling the curtain, aiding actors, and selling raffle tickets during intermission. Barrier-Free is well worth the extra cardio. |
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Emilyanne Wachter, Blogger, Self-AdvocateEmily Wachter (she/they) is the owner and entrepreneur of Photography through Autism. She is a lifelong writer and photographer with a passion for disability rights, social justice, and psychology. She is a graduate of Carroll Community College with dreams of being a healthcare social worker. Emily has spoken on a number of disability panels on living with autism and experiences of bullying. She is involved with a number of disability groups in Maryland, including YoungLife Capernaum, Disability Express Group, and Special Olympics. In her free time, she likes spending time with family and friends, coloring, and shopping.
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Kelly Young, Stage Manager Co. A, Assistant Director Co. A & BKelly Young (she/her) is ecstatic to be part of the Barrier-Free team! Kelly holds an MA in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Drama Therapy from Lesley University. She loves the multi-faceted world of theatre and has spent years working on shows as an actor, director, crew member, prop designer, set designer, and dramaturg. Outside of school, theatre, and Barrier-Free, Kelly works as the Office Manager for a Maryland-based private practice, where she strives to make mental healthcare more accessible and connect people with the best possible services to meet their needs. Kelly is also a proud member of and passionate advocate for the Disability and LGBTQIA+ communities. In her free time, she loves spending time with friends and family, making art, reading, and playing board games and video games. Kelly is immensely grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Barrier-Free team and is excited to learn new skills and give back to her community!
Kelly can be reached directly at [email protected]. |
Meet the Interns
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Maddie Mobley, Production InternMaddie Mobley (she/her) is a sophomore at McDaniel College double majoring in English and Theatre Arts, expecting to graduate in 2026. She was involved in her theatre productions and drama club throughout middle and high school for six years. At McDaniel, she is a part of the theatre honors society, Alpha Psi Omega, and has worked onstage acting, on lights crew, sound crew, board operations, deck chief, assistant sound and lights designer, and most recently, assistant stage manager. She believes theatre is an art form that truly includes everyone and is so excited to reflect that through working with Barrier Free!
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The only thing missing... You!
Barrier-Free 2022-2023 Inclusive Theater Season creative team & interns.
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